Olga M. (Raffa) Aiello a long-time Somerville resident passed away peacefully in the company of her loving family. She was 97. Born and raised in Canicattini Bagni, Sicily, she was the daughter of the late Giuseppe and Filomena Raffa. She came to the United States in 1951 and lived in Salem before moving to Somerville where she raised her daughters. Widowed at a young age, she worked hard to give the best to her children. She worked as a seamstress for the famous House of Bianchi. She made wedding gowns and other fine dresses during her long career with the company. A talented seamstress, she was often called upon to make the show piece dresses worn by runway models. Her primary concern was for her family, though and she especially loved spending time with her loving grandchildren.
The beloved wife of the late Antonino Aiello, she was a devoted mother to Anna Aiello of Somerville, Rosaly Aiello and her husband Larry Belvin of Lexington, Tina Aiello and her husband Nicolino Quinci of Melrose. She leaves her loving grandchildren: Lia and her husband Michael, Carina, Milena, Silas, Sofia, Salvatore and Domenico as well as her great-grandchildren: Nathan, Quinn, and Lilliana.
Her funeral will be from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, Thursday October 6th at 9:30 AM followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Ann Church, 399 Medford Street, Somerville, at 10:30 AM. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend and may visit with the family at the funeral home on Wednesday 4 – 8 PM.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Olga’s name to Emmanuel College for scholarships, 400 Fenway, Boston, MA 02115.
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